Correlation of brain-based learning approach with Dale’s cone of experience
Enhance a brain-based learning approach
You have already read about a brain-based learning in my article.
Although we all know everything, we hardly practice. It’s not important to teach maximum of the curriculum portion. To clear the concept and store the concept into their memory for a long time is must.
Therefore, after knowing what is a brain-based learning approach, we need to make it easy to learn for the learners through different enjoyable activities. Make your teaching learning process the most enjoyable to learn.
You might have already learned about Dale’s cone of experience. I insist that theory is the most important theory to know how brain-based learning works.
Dale’s Cone of Experience and brain-based learning both emphasize the importance of engaging learners in brain-based learning through being active. Multi-sensory (learning by seeing a demo or a video, learning through listening to others speak, learning though touch and feeling texture, learning through speaking sharing experiences) experiences to enhance learning process.
While Dale’s Cone primarily focuses on the types of learning experiences that states from concrete to abstract, brain-based learning emphasizes understanding how the brain processes information and how teaching methods can align with these processes.
Here’s how Dale’s Cone of Experience correlates with a brain-based learning approach:
1. Active Learning:
Both Dale’s Cone and brain-based learning emphasize for active learning experiences where learners are actively engaged in the learning process. This includes hands-on activities, discussions, and problem-solving exercises, which stimulate multiple areas of the brain and enhance learning long lasting.
Example:
In a biology class, students participate in a hands-on dissection activity to learn about the anatomy of a frog. By actively engaging in the dissection process, students are immersed in the learning experience, stimulating their senses of touch and sight, and reinforcing their understanding of biological concepts.
2. Multi-sensory Engagement:
Dale’s Cone highlights the importance of including various sensory classifications into learning experiences, from direct experiences to abstract learning. Similarly, brain-based learning recognizes the significance of engaging multiple senses in learning to stimulate different parts of the brain and accommodate diverse learning styles.
Example:
In an art class, students explore the concept of colour theory through a variety of activities. They mix different colors to create new shades, observe famous artworks, and discuss how colour affects mood and perception. By involving hands-on experimentation, visual observation, and verbal discussion, students engage multiple senses to deepen their understanding of colour theory.
3. Concrete to Abstract Learning:
Dale’s Cone illustrates the progression of learning experiences from concrete, direct experiences at the base to abstract experience s representations at the top. This aligns with brain-based learning principles that suggest starting with concrete, real-world examples before moving to more abstract concepts, as it allows for better comprehension and capacity to memorize.
Example:
In a physics class, students learn about the concept of velocity. The teacher begins by demonstrating velocity using real-life examples, such as measuring the speed of a moving car. As students grasp the concept with concrete examples, the teacher gradually introduces mathematical equations to calculate velocity, transitioning from concrete experiences to abstract representations.
4. Experiential Learning:
Both approaches emphasize the value of experiential learning, where learners actively participate in meaningful experiences. Experiential learning engages multiple cognitive processes, encourages problem-solving skills, and fosters deeper understanding, all of which are central principles of brain-based learning.
Example:
In a History class studying World War II, students participate in a simulated wartime scenario. They take on roles as soldiers, politicians, and civilians, making decisions that mirror those faced during the war. Through this experiential activity, students develop empathy, critical thinking skills, and a deeper understanding of the complexities of historical events.
5. Brain-Compatible Environments:
Brain-based learning emphasizes creating a supportive learning environment that considers the brain’s natural processes and preferences. Similarly, Dale’s Cone suggests providing optimal learning conditions, such as hands-on activities and interactive experiences, to enhance learning effectiveness.
Example:
In a kindergarten classroom, the learning environment is designed to accommodate young children’s natural curiosity and need for movement. There are different learning stations set up around the room, including a sensory table with tactile materials, a reading corner with comfortable seating, and a play area for imaginative play. By providing a variety of hands-on activities and creating a welcoming atmosphere, the classroom supports brain-based learning by promoting engagement and exploration.
Conclusion
In my conclusion, Dale’s Cone of Experience and brain-based learning both promote student-centered, experiential approaches to education that prioritize active engagement, multi-sensory experiences, and the alignment of teaching methods with the brain’s natural processes. Integrating these principles can lead to more effective and meaningful learning experiences for learners of all ages. Let’s not be a rigid teacher who sticks to just a lecture method. Open your thoughts process and make some ideas to bring creativity in your teaching learning process.
https://medium.com/illumination/what-is-a-brain-based-learning-dc9c5f6c0c69
